Chavistas honor former UFW lawyer at annual breakfast

Jerry Cohen who was the Chief Legal Counsel for the United Farm Workers Union during the turbulent 1970’s and 1980’s was the honoree and keynote speaker at the Cesar Chavez Service clubs ninth annual Las Mañanitas breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in Mission Bay.

Jerry Cohen, the first lawyer hired by the United Farm Workers, encouraged a group of about 140 students gathered for the annual “Las Mañanitas” Cesar Chavez Service Club breakfast not to wait until they’re adults to try to make a difference in their communities.

The organization, which has 37 clubs in 24 schools in San Diego County, honored Cohen Friday morning at its ninth breakfast, attended by elected officials, school leaders, community activists and at least two dozen people who served with UFW. Founded by Carlos and Linda LeGerrette, who worked with Chavez in the UFW movement, the Cesar Chavez Service Club is a leadership development program that empowers students, known as “Chavistas,” to organize projects that benefit their communities.

Linda LeGerrette said part of the reason she wanted to recognize Cohen was how young he was when he became the first general counsel for the union. When Chavez hired Cohen in 1967, Cohen was 26 years old.

“That’s amazing when you think about it,” LeGerrette said. “Between Jerry and Cesar and many supporters throughout the country, history was made.”

Cohen worked for the union until 1981, pushing back in court battles when growers tried to make the union’s demonstrations more difficult and then managing negotiations when the owners finally came to the table.

He credited the farm workers for organizing the strikes and boycotts that generated enough power for him to do his job. He’s proudest of the Agricultural Labor Relations Act, which gave farm workers collective bargaining rights.

Farm workers and domestic workers were left out of federal labor laws of the 1930s, Cohen said, which he likened to blatantly racist laws from 1920s South Africa that prohibited black workers from organizing.

“Congress didn’t do it as boldly but it had the same effect,” Cohen said. “It took Cesar and his skills and the people he attracted to put farm workers on the map.”

Being honored by the youth organization meant more to Cohen than other awards he’s received for his work with the labor movement, he said, because talking with students was productive.

“It gives people the opportunity to talk about what’s possible,” Cohen said. “When you’re just sort of getting recognized, you tell old war stories, and it’s a mutual admiration society, and you don’t get as much done.”

He praised youth who have spoken out against gun violence and stood up for young unauthorized immigrants known as “dreamers.”

He said current events don’t give him “immediate optimism,” but he has hope.

“Hope lies with you,” he said to the Chavistas.

He told them that they don’t have to wait until they’re voting-age to make a difference, and that organizing for change takes two qualities — resilience and a good sense of humor.

Lillian Shallow, president and co-founder of the current club at San Diego High School, talked about learning to appreciate those traits in her time with the organization.

She recalled a moment during a food drive organized by her club that raised more than one ton of food. She and other club members heard a loud crash and found two students with boxes that had burst, dropping cans onto the floor. The group laughed together as they cleaned up the hall.

“I used to believe this club contained magic answers,” said Shallow, who has been with the service organization since 6th grade. “Now I know it doesn’t, and I respect it even more.”

Lillian Shallow, from San Diego High, Jacob Dadmun, also from San Diego High, at the Cesar Chavez Service clubs 9th annual Las Mañanitas breakfast at the Hilton Hotel in Mission Bay.

John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune

She and Jacob Dadmun, who co-founded the chapter with her, focus on student advocacy.

“Our goal is to create effective members of society,” Dadmun said.

Dadmun said he appreciated Cohen’s story because it didn’t follow the negative stereotype often associated with lawyers.

“It’s inspiring to see people who care and help people with the tools that they have,” Dadmun said.

Eliana Licon, who advises the San Diego High group, said that the students run the group and she works to support them.

“I’m just proud of the leadership,” Licon said. “All of the quiet students who didn’t used to speak are blossoming.”

Hiyab Misghina, a sophomore in the San Diego High School club, said that many at her school feel like they don’t have a voice, but that’s not the case for students in the organization.

“We have the opportunity to make change,” Misghina said.

The breakfast was filled with cries of “Si se puede!” As the event ended, everyone linked arms and swayed gently while a band played the iconic “De Colores.”

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